From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Component issues for the US market including clutch, cylinder head, finishes, and radiator shutter.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 19\3\ Scan090 | |
| Date | 12th November 1929 | |
| -4- Ovl/W12.11.29. reverse gear. Since with central shift there is no external shaft, it is desirable to build into the gearbox a set of wipe-contacts which are engaged in reverse only. Am writing America for details of our present switch. Attached two photographs show rear bumper and attachments, rear lamp and bracket, luggage carrier, etc. 7. Clutch. Experience on the road in the States and tests under continued slipping in Springfield, and similar tests here, all confirm the necessity of mounting the fabric on the driven disc. Mr. Royce, yourself, and Mr.Hives have this in hand. 8. Aluminium Cylinder Head. Corrosion, revealed by corrosion of stand-pipes, blocking of radiator etc., while it has caused some trouble here, is liable to cause serious xxxxxxx embarrassment in the States where cars are often 1,000 miles from a depot. We had not experienced this when I left 2 months ago, but undoubtedly it will occur when alkaline western waters are encountered. Though we understand T.50 alloy is much better than the copper alloy, would suggest that we should at least not run the risk of introducing an aluminium head into the States, without providing an alternative cast iron head to fall back on in emergency. 9. Chrome finish, or its equivalent (deep-draw Staybright) is essential. A nickel finish, or bare nickel silver parts, are quite unsaleable in the U.S. with any hope of permanent satisfaction. However, a chrome finish for fittings inside the car is also unacceptable, as it jars with any artistic coachwork interiors. Therefore, we have found that nickel plate for steering column, gear lever, switch handles etc., is most acceptable. Radiator, mascot, bonnet fittings, fuel filler etc., should be chrome finish or Staybrite. For the arm of the steering wheel, we prefer black cellulose or the equivalent (black all over) as the bright aluminium jars with other interior finish and with the controls etc. 10. Radiator Shutter. An automatic shutter is essential for permanent satisfaction. Every American car has automatic temperature control of one sort or another. Hand control is resented by owners and drivers, and consequently often neglected with damage to valve felts etc. Also, automatic control removes a fitting from the instrument board and leaves the drivers attention more clear for attending to traffic conditions etc. On no account should the water temperature (at air temperatures below say 60°F) be allowed to exceed 180°F in normal operation, | ||